Zincalume vs. Colorbond Roofing: What You Need to Know

Zincalume vs. Colorbond Roofing: What You Need to Know

If you are considering metal roofing installations, you might wonder about Zincalume and Colorbond. While the two are similar in many ways, there are some key differences you need to know.

What is Zincalume?

Zincalume is a metal roofing material that offers the strength, colours, and water resistance of Colorbond steel. It is a highly durable building material that doesn't rust like traditional steel roofing. It is made from aluminium and zinc, which protects it against natural weathering.

Zincalume vs. Galvanised

Zincalume is often compared to galvanised steel. While both materials are coated with zinc to protect against corrosion, Zincalume has a higher aluminium content, which makes it more corrosion-resistant and longer-lasting than galvanised steel.

What is Colorbond roofing made of?

Originally, Colorbond roofing was made of three layers - polyester, hot-dip galvanised steel, and a polyethylene coating to give the colour. However, the manufacturing process has changed over the years. Now, two steel sheets with polyethylene between them are thermally efficient. These two layers are also coated with two different coloured varnishes. The whole sandwich is then heated to give colour, strength, and water resistance. The roofing materials themselves are not affected by rust, weather conditions, discolouring, or rotting because the zinc in the steel protects it from these effects.

Colorbond Roofing materials

Colorbond roofing is a highly popular roofing material due to its low maintenance and long lifespan. It has a warranty period of 20 years, and because Colorbond doesn't rust like traditional steel roofing, it may even outlast your flashing.

Colorbond vs. Zincalume

While both Zincalume and Colorbond steel sheets have a high-density polyethylene coating, Colorbond steel sheets have a longer lifespan due to this coating. The main difference is that Zincalume roofing and other ordinary galvanised steel will rust, while Colorbond steel won't. That's because Zincalume has a lower aluminium content than Zincalume, giving it less protection against natural weathering.

Colorbond vs. Zincalume Cost

Zincalume and Colorbond roofing costs can vary depending on location, roofing size, and installation complexity. However, in general, Zincalume is less expensive than Colorbond roofing. This is due to the added aluminium content in Colorbond, which gives it a longer lifespan.

Colorbond Zincalume Roofing

If you are looking for the best of both worlds, you can consider Colorbond Zincalume roofing. This roofing material offers the benefits of both Colorbond and Zincalume, including high durability, a variety of colours, and water resistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zincalume and Colorbond roofing are both highly durable and long-lasting roofing materials. While Zincalume is less expensive than Colorbond roofing, Colorbond offers a longer lifespan due to its higher aluminium content. If you are looking for a highly durable and water-resistant roofing material, you might want to consider Colorbond Zincalume roofing.